Modified Layered-Sectional Analysis for Forensic Investigation

McCoy, Brad C.; Seracino, Rudolf; Leming, Michael L.

Modified Layered-Sectional Analysis for Forensic Investigation

Date

2015-08

Authors

McCoy, Brad C.

Seracino, Rudolf

Leming, Michael L.

Publisher

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Abstract

This paper describes a modification to the layered-sectional analysis approach, which provides the engineer with a tool to assess structural behavior of concrete beams with localized damage, a problem not well suited to classical, closed-form solutions. The modified layered-sectional analysis (MLSA) framework is applied to a forensic investigation case study in which two prestressed double-tee beams are exposed to a short duration, intense fire in a parking structure. The results of the MLSA are within 1% of the case study load test, which indicates that the MLSA could be a useful, computationally efficient tool for the investigating engineer to predict the postfire serviceability and strength of damaged beams, and potentially eliminate the need for expensive load testing. A short parametric study is included for the research engineer interested in the MLSA for predicting the postdamage behavior of non-standard materials such as enhanced sustainability concrete (ESC).

Keywords

Enhanced sustainability concrete (ESC)

Citation

McCoy, Seracino, and Leming, “Modified Layered-Sectional Analysis for Forensic Investigation.” 2015.